Being one of the biggest project launches in 2018, JadeScape is probably the most talked about condo project in recent months prior to its launch – mainly due to its size, location and also the innovative perks being offered to prospects. In addition, this will also be the developer’s biggest private residential project on its […]

Being one of the biggest project launches in 2018, JadeScape is probably the most talked about condo project in recent months prior to its launch – mainly due to its size, location and also the innovative perks being offered to prospects.

In addition, this will also be the developer’s biggest private residential project on its portfolio to-date and possibly a landmark in the history of the organization.

At NewLaunch101.com, we don’t feature or write about every recent new launch in Singapore because we believe some are just not worth mentioning or there’s very little to talk about. But for JadeScape condo, it certainly deserves the market’s full attention – especially ours. Read on!

JadeScape developer

Established in China since 1952, Qingjian Group Co. Ltd has already been involved in various domestic and international projects – real estate development, construction, and logistics etc.

Their venture into Singapore’s real estate market kickstarted more than 10 years ago with its subsidiary firmQingjian Realty (South Pacific) Group Pte Ltd and immediately began their involvement in several government housing projects.

The most significant one was Natura Loft (a HDB-DBSS project completed back in 2008), which was being awarded the BCA Green Mark (Gold Plus) in 2010. Since then, Qingjian Realty has been actively involved in various government land sale (GLS) tenders and has been widely known for its remarkable works, especially in the executive condominium (EC) segment – which makes up the most numbers in the company’s portfolio.

Some of Qingjian Realty projects in the EC segment include RiverParc Residence, Waterbay, Ecopolitan, Bellewaters, Bellewoods, and The Visionaire; private residential projects such as Nin Residence, Riversound Residence, and Le Quest.

If you have read the papers and been paying attention to Qingjian Realty’s evolution in the EC market over the last couple of years, it’s quite obvious that a lot of tech innovation, such as the ‘smart home’ concept in JadeScape has already been implemented in a number of their other residential projects. It has been proved to be very popular among property buyers of the modern era. But the fact is that most condo projects by other developers have also adopted some level of smart home innovation. Thus, to us who are in the real estate industry all year round, it certainly doesn’t tingle our interest.

However, Qingjian Realty’s JadeScape condo looks set to elevate this popular technology feature and take smart home living to a whole new level.

JadeScape Location

JadeScape is located along Marymount Road and adjacent to Shunfu Road (condo entry) – on the former site of ex-HUDC Shunfu Ville. It’s close proximity to Marymount MRT station is perhaps the greatest draw for prospects who are looking at condo projects within the vicinity.

The location of JadeScape couldn’t get any better as it sits between the Upper Thomson and Bishan precincts. Along the Upper Thomson stretch, you will find various F&B options – from your favourite local food to a cup of aromatic Australian coffee and at Bishan central, that’s where the Junction 8 shopping mall is. Over there you can get your daily groceries, entertainment, and retail therapy done. Not only that, the condominium is just 1 MRT stop away to Bishan MRT interchange station, which covers the main routes to the northern and southern parts of Singapore.

One of the painful things which we can think of is for drivers. Getting to the city or rather the Central Business District (CBD) can be a pain as the closest expressway down is the Central Expressway (CTE). If you know what I mean, traffic can get really bad during peak hours and the jam usually tails back all the way from the Ang Mo Kio entrances.

However, that will soon change with the new North-South Expressway or NSC (Singapore’s 11th expressway), which gives residents at JadeScape an alternative route to the core central region of Singapore. The NSC will be due for completion by 2023, which is right about the same time when homeowners move into JadeScape. For parents of school-going kids, there are plenty of top educational institutions available around JadeScape condo, such as Catholic High School, Ai Tong School, and Marymount Convent. However, it seems like only Catholic High School is within the 1 km radius while the latter two schools are just off (but still within the 2km radius).

JadeScape Condo Facilities and Features

Being a massive development sitting on a massive plot of close to 400,000 square feet, you can be assured that there will an abundance of facilities within JadeScape condo.

According to the developer, there’s a total of 96 active & leisure facilities which will be perfectly constructed between residential blocks – for instance, there’s not just one but two 50-metres swimming pools, tennis courts and a golf simulator for the residents to enjoy. Unlike conventional condo developments, Qingjian Realty will also bundle in smart home features within the apartment units and also have WiFi being set up in the common areas.

Some of the smart home features mentioned by the developer include energy-saving aircon units, personalized QR access code for guests and not forgetting a mobile app that will allow residents not only to book condo facilities but also control the main door access, scheduling maintenance and repair works whenever required.

In addition, residents will also be able to communicate with the condo management more effectively via the app – such as highlighting incidents and any repairs needed within the compound. On the other end, the management personnel can also update residents on the progress of such works and also help facilitate the payment of maintenance fees.

JadeScape Floor Plan & Unit Types

The condo will comprise a total of 1,206 units and 6 commercial shops – spreading across 7 residential blocks on a massive land area of 398,114 square feet. Out of the 7 blocks, 5 of those will be 23-storey tall, and the rest will be 21-storey and 22-storey. The JadeScape floor plan and unit types are as follows:

1-Bedroom – 527 sq feet

2-Bedroom – 646 sq feet

2-Bedroom Deluxe – 764 sq feet

2-Bedroom Premium – 775 sq feet

3-Bedroom – 904 sq feet

3-Bedroom Deluxe – 1,012 to 1,055 sq feet

3-Bedroom Premium – 1,141 to 1,152 sq feet

4-Bedroom – 1,249 sq feet

4-Bedroom Deluxe – 1,421 sq feet

4-Bedroom Suite – 1,647 sq feet

5-Bedroom Suite – 2,099 sq feet

Penthouse (6-Bedroom) – 4,230 sq feet

One of the unique unit types at JadeScape is the “gold standard” units. They are basically 1-bedroom (527 sq feet) apartment units that will have fittings designed for the elderly being installed – such as anti-slip flooring, support bars fitted in the bathrooms and wall cabinets that come with a pull-down hydraulic rack.

The height of the sinks and cabinets will also be specially designed to be reached by those residents who are in wheelchairs.

JadeScape Price Guide

The project was officially launched earlier on 22 September 2018 and more than 300 units were sold during that weekend. The following is the JadeScape price guide released before the launch day and will likely be subjected to changes. So do drop us a note and check with us for the latest price guide for each unit type.

1-Bedroom from $838,000

2-Bedroom from $988,000

3-Bedroom from $1.38 million

4-Bedroom from $1.86 million

5-Bedroom from $3.xx million

Penthouses – TBA

And for those who are concern about the maintenance fees for JadeScape, here are the estimates.

JadeScape Showflat Location

The JadeScape showflat is located just next to Sky Vue condo (along Bishan Street 15) instead of on the actual site of the project.

As the opening hours haven’t been announced, do reach out to us at (+65) 6631-8384 or enquire using the form below in order to save you some precious time. In addition, we may be able to offer you some insights of JadeScape as well.

JadeScape Review

Over the years, Qingjian Realty has received tons of criticism over their projects being poorly constructed and the usage of cheap-looking materials. More often or not, the firm is being stereotyped as a typical money-minded property developer who chooses profits over quality.

One of the biggest criticisms the group received was for RiverParc Residence (an EC in Punggol) few years back.

Since then, Qingjian Realty has somehow managed to come back strong and claimed several reputable awards such as the South East Asia Property Awards, FIABCI Singapore Property Award, BCI Asia Top Ten Awards and the BCA Green Mark Award.

Unlike many other strong and long-standing developers such as City Developments Ltd, UOL, Frasers Property etc, we believe Qingjian Realty is still some way off in terms of delivering a quality condominium development and it has to start right now with this revamp of Shunfu Ville.

Over the last couple of years in District 20 of Singapore, we’ve seen plenty of new launch projects released in areas such as Upper Thomson and Bishan. Just for the record, all their typical units have been fully sold and most of them have already received their Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP).

The launch timing of JadeScape couldn’t be any better as it prepares to inject another 1,206 new homes into District 20 and it was noted that around 300 units were sold on the first day of the launch at an average $1,700 psf.

Looking at the Jadescape price point, how does it line up against all these fairly new neighbouring condo projects? Let us compare it with transactions which took place within the last 6 months (from 01 March 2018 – 28 September 2018).

PROJECT

TENURE

COMPLETION DATE

NUMBER OF UNITS

AVERAGE PSF

Thomson Three

99-year

2016

5

1,554

Thomson Impressions

99-year

2018

1

1,341

Thomson Grand

99-year

2015

17

1,321

Sky Habitat

99-year

2015

26

1,447

Sky Vue

99-year

2016

20

1,641

JadeScape

99-Year

2022

~300

~1,700

You may be thinking that the price looks a little steeper than the rest of the condo. But then again, it’s always been a trend that new launch projects will always be pricing themselves a notch higher – the fact that they are newer and have that additional few more years of land tenure.

And in this case, JadeScape is not only newer, but it is close to an MRT station (always have been the top requirement for most home buyers in Singapore).

In 2018, we’ve witnessed a couple of mega launches in the city fringe which are also located near an MRT station. So how does JadeScape compare to those projects instead?

For buyers who are looking solely at the primary market a.k.a new launches, this will be the benchmark for all the upcoming new residential projects in the city fringe which are located near an MRT station.

Reason being that these sites were acquired by the developers when the property market was on the verge of an uptrend and some even overpaid slightly in order to fill up their depleting land banks. Thus any further reduction in prices will result in a loss, and let’s face it, no companies or any businesses like to make losses.

But one good thing is that the recent property cooling measures (which took effect on 06 July 2018) will help control property prices on some level. Thus, you can be assured that prices seen today at JadeScape will maintain at the current mark for the time being and you won’t be forced to make a buying decision right away.

Overall, being the biggest private residential project in their portfolio to-date, JadeScape does present itself as an exciting new launch condo in 2018 and we dare to say it’s even better than some of the earlier completed projects in the same district such as Thomson Three and Thomson Impressions.

An upcoming residential development that seeks to redefine resort living, Thomson Impressions shall offer its residents a unique experience of urban existence. Expected to be completed in 2019, the Upper Thomson Road precinct has always been known to be one of the most sought after addresses in the city of Singapore. Thomson Impressions Location Located at […]

An upcoming residential development that seeks to redefine resort living, Thomson Impressions shall offer its residents a unique experience of urban existence. Expected to be completed in 2019, the Upper Thomson Road precinct has always been known to be one of the most sought after addresses in the city of Singapore.

Thomson Impressions Location

Located at Lorong Putong in District 20, Thomson Impressions will be at the heart of a booming suburban area, promising easy access to various destinations and amenities.

The Bright Hill MRT Station, which is part of the upcoming Thomson-East Coast Line, is just a 5 minute walk away from the condominium’s gated environs.

Numerous feeder bus services, major arterial roads and the Central Expressway offer seamless road connectivity to different parts of the city.

Those with children will find themselves in close proximity with several reputed educational institutions – with Ai Tong Primary School topping the list, and others such as Catholic High School, Raffles Institution, Anderson Junior College, Nanyang Polytechnic and many others.

Daily requirements shall also be met with since there are numerous multipurpose arcades in the vicinity. There are enough and more supermarkets, salons, banks, movie halls, eateries etc in the vicinity with the Junction 8 shopping malls, AMK Hub and Thomson Plaza being a mere stone’s throw away.

With the Mount Alvernia Hospital and Thye Hua Kwan Hospital being close by as well, medical emergencies shall also be dealt with quickly, conveniently.

Therefore, Thomson Impressions would find itself in the midst of several bustling city hubs, thus ensuring the residents’ all needs are promptly fulfilled.

Living within Thomson Impressions Condo

Brilliant location is not what Thomson Impressions condo is all about, though admittedly, that is one of its defining selling points. There is so much more that this residential society has to offer.

A beautiful, modern facade shall encompass intelligently designed homes that have optimal space, lighting and ventilation.

The unit interiors are to be tastefully furnished with designer fittings, high-quality bath-ware and the best of kitchen appliances.

A wide range of leisure facilities would also be available for usage by residents – a lovely lap pool and aqua deck are just a couple of all that’s in store for future residents’.

For the health conscious folk, a well-equipped fitness station, high-tech gym and several garden areas shall be ideal retreats.

In-housing dining as well as barbeque pits would also allow home-owners to enjoy great food and company, right within Thomson Impressions itself.

A 24-hours security system and demarcated parking space will also ensure that those living here (and their possessions) remain safe at all times.

Living next to the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

When so many luxuries are at one’s disposal right at their doorstep, what more could they possibly want?

Thomson Impressions Floor Plan and Unit Types

The Thomson Impressions developer, Nanshan Group plans on having two 19-storey towers comprising of 288 units in total. Unit types to be made available include:

1 Bedroom units covering approximately 463 square feet

2 Bedroom units covering 732 to 764 square feet.

3 Bedroom units covering 1,055 to 1,195 square feet.

Penthouses covering 1,894 to 2,121 square feet.

Strata Houses (4-Bedroom) covering approximately 2,034 square feet.

With this wide variety of unit configurations made available to potential buyers, one can certainly find their ideal home at Thomson Impressions.

Thomson Impressions Showflat Details

Set to launch in October 2015, Thomson Impressions showflat will be located at the actual site of the development along Lorong Puntong. However the pre-launch stage will only see it being opened to invited guests only. If you would like to receive updates and get first-hand information, you can reach me at (+65) 6631 8384 or simply submit details via the contact form below.

Thomson Impressions Price Indication

The following is the Thomson Impressions price indication received before the official launch (as of 16 Oct 2015). Kindly note that these figures are just acting as a guide.

1-Bedroom – S$670,000 to S$780,000

2-Bedroom – S$980,000 to $1.15 million

3-Bedroom – S$1.35 million to S$1.55 million

3-Bedroom Premium – S$1.55 million to S$1.77 million

Penthouse/Strata Landed – Approximately S$2.75 million to S$2.85 million

Thomson Impressions Review

There’s been a lot of hype for this Upper Thomson condo recently, claiming that it’s the hottest new launch in area. And if you’ve been updating yourself with the developments within the surroundings, way before Thomson Grand was launched in 2011, the last condo launch was in 2002 for Bishan Point.

Since then, not only we’ve seen Thomson Grand, along came Thomson Three (2013) and Three 11 @ Thomson (2013). Although in recent years, we’ve seen the likes of The Panorama, Sky Vue and Sky Habitat being launched in the same district, it seems that property analysts don’t really classify them in the same league as condos in Upper Thomson.

So clearly, new launches are rather rare in the Upper Thomson precinct as we’ve only seen 3 new developments in the last 4 years.

Now here comes Thomson Impressions. But is it really a worthy buy? Before visiting any new launch, it’s always good to do some “homework” yourself.

Prior to that, let me highlight some attributes which I personally like about this new launch condo.

Low density

I am always a big fan of condos that offer exclusivity. With only 228 residential units in the entire development, Thomson Impressions condo offers the kind of privacy you truly need in a private residential development. As least you won’t be constantly seeing tons of people crowding at the recreation areas on a weekend, a time which you can really use some peace after days of hard work at the office. And with the limited supply of land in the area, it’s highly likely that you won’t be seeing many new developments in future (unless enbloc of existing properties).

Living close to nature and greens

We all know in Singapore, space is definitely a luxury. As we are running low on living spaces, ‘concrete jungles’ began to form. Having a residences next to nature and greens is certainly a big big plus point. In my opinion, this is something that even those who own properties in prime districts such as Orchard or Marina Bay will never get to appreciate.

Walking distance to future Bright Hill MRT Station

I won’t deny the fact that having an upcoming MRT Station is a big bonus in terms of price appreciation. If you’ve looked at the price trend of some existing developments (namely those newer ones along the Circle MRT Line), you can see that prices usually appreciate by 10 to 15% on average once the station is in operation and this has been proven. Need some real statistics? Do let me know and I can share them with you.

So the BIG question is – how much to own a property at Thomson Impressions?

As of now (30 Sep 2015), no indicative price has been released. However, we can find out what’s the acceptable entry price, or the fair market value for this property. It’s a pretty straight foward comparison as we will bench-marking with only Thomson Three, considering the fact they are the newest condo launch in the area and they were selling during the toughest period of the property market in Singapore.

Let’s roll back time and see how much was the land cost for Thomson Three (at Bright Hill Drive), as compared to Thomson Impressions (at Lorong Puntong):

As you can see, there’s only a S$11.30 psf difference between the 2 plots at Bright Hill Drive (S$719.80 psf ppr) and Lorong Puntong (S$731.10 psf ppr). And if we sum up the costings and overheads, the breakeven cost for both developments are S$1,163 and S$1,176 psf respectively.

So how much was Thomson Three selling ever since their launch in 2013?

PROJECT

TENURE

NO. OF UNITS

COMPLETION

AVERAGE PRICE (S$ PSF)

NO. OF CAVEATS RECORDED

THOMSON THREE

99 YRS FROM 2012

445

UNCOMPLETED

1,359

407

THOMSON IMPRESSIONS

99 YRS FROM 2014

288

UNCOMPLETED

?

?

Not too shabby in terms of sales for Thomson Three for the past 2 years, despite facing numerous challenges from a weak Singapore property market. According to the latest numbers, they have sold approximately 91% of their units, at an average psf price of S$1,359.

So rightfully, given the fact that the cost of the plot at Lorong Puntong is similar to Bright Hill Drive (of Thomson Three), the developer should price Thomson Impressions the same as Thomson Three.

WRONG! Unless you want to make owners of Thomson Three really happy.

In my opinion, Thomson Impressions should be priced lower (probably just a little) than Thomson Three because of 2 simple reasons:

1. In terms of absolute cost of the land, Thomson Three developer (UOL Group Ltd) had more to pay (S$291.5 million) as compared to the developer of Thomson Impressions (Nanshan Group) who forked out S$173.6 million. Thus it just doesn’t seem right for Nanshan Group to price it at a similar range as Thomson Three. And with the unit sizes (for each unit type) pretty much the same as the ones at Thomson Three, paying a similar PSF for a unit at Thomson Impressions will equate to the same price as one at Thomson Three. This brings me to my next reason.

2. Location, location, location. Thomson Three condo is not just next an upcoming MRT Station, it is just opposite Thomson Plaza (where most daily necessities will be met). Whereas for Thomson Impressions, the upcoming MRT Station is probably all they have, and residents will have to travel a little south to reach Thomson Plaza. The travelling time may be insignificant to most, but due to this lack of convenience, it certainly doesn’t justify the fact for Nanshan Group sell Thomson Impressions at the price of Thomson Three condo.

Then again, being wonderfully located, uber-luxurious and full of resort-style facilities, it is no doubt that Thomson Impressions shall add quality to residents’ lifestyles in more ways.

The perfect balance of opulence and greenery promises a balanced living environment that is at once comfortable and healthy.

Diversity in home sizes and layouts makes Thomson Impressions a viable option for single occupants, couples and families as well.

With the launch of the Thomson Line, real estate valuations of District 20 properties shall sore, making this a great investment opportunity.

Hence, having a home here would surely be a pride and prestige booster for any individual. But that is only if the price point makes absolute sense for you.

If you would like to find out more about Thomson Impressions, you can just ring me at (+65) 6631 8384 or simply fill up the form below.